Paul to make debut in strong side

GLOUCESTER'S head coach Dean Ryan has named a side containing 13 full internationals for the visit of Newcastle Falcons in the EDF Energy Cup tomorrow (3pm).

Australian international hooker Jeremy Paul will make his debut in Gloucester's front row alongside loose-head prop Alasdair Dickinson, who also starts for the first time this season and Christian Califano completes the front three.

While Alex Brown takes a break in the second row, Marco Bortolami gets the opportunity to forge a partnership with Will James at lock and will also skipper the side for the first time this season.

In the back row, Peter Buxton, who has featured in every match so far this season, is not included which means Alasdair Strokosch will wear number six. Akapusi Qera will start his second game in succession on the openside and Adam Balding wears number eight for his first start this season.

"We see this as a great opportunity to assess our options, continue the integration of a number of players who have not had a great deal of rugby with us this season and show some sort of kick-back from our defeat last weekend," said head coach Dean Ryan.

"I think you only have to look at this side to see how important this game is for us and our squad strength reflects that. We were disappointed with a number of the processes against London Irish last week and we want to put that right.

"It is important we see the likes of Jeremy Paul involved with us - he has been fantastic since his arrival - and we also want to see other combinations in action as soon as possible."

There will also be a new half-back pairing where Rory Lawson partners Chris Paterson and James Simpson-Daniel returns from a three-week hamstring injury to partner Anthony Allen in centre.

The back three is also shifted around - Mark Foster comes in for his first start of the season in place of James Bailey, Olly Morgan returns at full-back and Iain Balshaw switches to the wing.

"We have a lot of talent and a lot of options available to us and we want a platform to move into for forthcoming games," Ryan added.
"There is an opportunity for us to move into a more stable environment going forward but we want guys to put their hands up and show us what they can do and for that reason we view it as a great opportunity."

The only players not to be capped at senior level in the starting XV are Balding and Foster.

On the bench, Andy Titterrell and Jack Forster are the front row options, Jonathan Pendlebury returns to the matchday squad and Luke Narraway completes the forward options.

Gareth Cooper, who has been out of action for a fortnight with a hamstring strain, returns alongside Willie Walker and Karl Pryce.

"Gareth Delve was close to inclusion but this game is a week too early - he is doing everything the squad is now and is making progress," Ryan added.

Speaking to GRTV in front of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, Henry Trinder explained how important the West Country Challenge Cup is going to be for the Cherry and Whites in their preseason preparations.

Speaking to GRTV at preseason training this Tuesday, new signing Willi Heinz gave an update on his recovery from a leg injury and expressed his enjoyment since his arrival in new surroundings with Gloucester Rugby.

Speaking to GRTV after the 22-23 defeat against Bordeaux-Begles which denied Gloucester a place in next season's European Rugby Champions Cup, Nick Wood rued the momentary lapse in concentration which allowed the French side to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

As Gloucester prepare for their 39th game of the season, against Bordeaux-Begles at Sixways on Sunday, David Humphreys told the local media that this week has been all about getting the players mentally and physically ready after a tough game against Connacht last Sunday.

Gloucester Rugby and Scotland scrum half Greig Laidlaw is gearing up for Rugby World Cup with his international teammates, and speaking to the assembled media this week, Laidlaw is excited to be in familiar surroundings at the showcase tournament.

With 50 days to go until Rugby World Cup 2015 gets underway several of the nations that are set to take to the Kingsholm Stadium field during the pool stages were in action in Toronto in Round Three of the Pacific Nations Cup.